University of Louisville students are catching a break.

New football coach Charlie Strong wants them closer to the field, a change he believes will enhance the atmosphere while improving the home field advantage.

Making students a stronger factor at U of L games is long overdue. The student sections have largely been located on the second level on the east side. Almost out of sight. Unless you knew they were there, they were lost in the crowd.

Charlie Strong wants students more involved.

“Coach Strong wants to get the students more involved,” says Rocco Gasparro, assistant sports information director. In other words, the coach wants them  more visible and engaged.

This coming season students will be moved from second level seating to first level seats in the northeast corner which are between the 20-yard line and the end zone. The U of L band will be moving from Section 104 to Section 111, almost immediately adjacent to Crunch Zone fanatics. Seating chart is here.

Specifically:

  • Section 110 to 103
  • Section 109 to 104
  • Section 209 to 204
  • Section 204 to 205
  • Section 111 to 206
  • Section 104 (band) to 111

“We have attempted to move people to seats that were better or just as good as their old seats,” says Brad Barber, ticket manager. “And they will be seated with the same friends as they were before. If they were on the aisle, they will be on the aisle. The biggest change is for Section 111 which moves to the second level, but they will have 50-yard line seats.”

It’s a win/win situation. The students will get more recognition. Fans in affected sections will move to sections on the east side with better views. One of those sections includes 103 which was used by visiting fans. Visitors in this section will move upstairs to the new upper level in the expanded stadium.

Just another way Charlie Strong is having a positive impact.

Share this

By Charlie Springer

Charlie Springer is a former Louisville editor and sportswriter, a public affairs consultant, a UofL grad and longtime fan.

3 thoughts on “Charlie Strong Wants Students More Involved”
  1. Way, way overdue. This move moves the students into the forefront, actually making them a part of the game. Really happy that this is going to happen. Their participation has long needed development, and this is a great first step. I hope they get lower level seating in the new arena as well.

Comments are closed.